Nico had just got home from the shelter and had been watching television for about five minutes, before the door opened. He had followed Percy out and given him the keys, so he could get in if he were at work when he showed up. Percy poked his head in, "Do you mind helping me with stuff?"

Nico scrunched up his nose and turned the T.V. off, standing up and walking over to him, "How much stuff you got?" he asked, stuffing his hands in his back pockets and glowering at him.

Percy sighed, "Just like, five boxes. Some are heavy with books my ex forced into my inventory, but other than that, everything should be pretty easy," he said as Nico followed him out of their apartment. "I'm sorry if I bother you, you know."

Nico tried not to soften as he glanced over at him, "Just my personality." he tried, pressing the button to the elevator. Percy was pursing his lips as they both stepped in, Nico fidgeting and Percy still playing with his lips.

"I'm sorry," Percy said, "I don't have to be your roommate, I'm sure I cou-,"

"No!" Nico blurted, then blushing. "Sorry. You're just willing to pay a lot of rent and I really need that help. Sorry if I seem shallow for it, but I really just need the money and you seem like a slightly tolerable person."

Percy's lips quirked upwards and he exited as the doors opened once more. Nico watched him for a moment before following. He didn't know why Percy was being so patient with him, because usually people were easily tired of his attitude. Nico's gaze was glued to his feet as he walked, mostly because he was used to never wanting to meet people in the eye. It really bothered is father when he was young, but the habit continued anyways.

When they reached Percy's car, the tall boy opened the trunk and grabbed two boxes labeled 'Heavy'. Nico frowned slightly, secretly feeling guilty that Percy was probably doing all of the hard work. He picked up one of the boxes that was labeled Discs and hurried back to the elevator. He rushed in after Percy, not wanting to wait for the metal room to come back. Plus, he hated being in elevators alone. He usually took the stairs, but he was carrying a decently heavy box and he wasn't up for the physical labor that'd ensue.

Percy shot him a kind smile, though it was kind of awkward because it was quite lengthy as to not make him look stupid and just look away. When the elevator opened, Nico immediately walked out. He brought the box to Percy's room, carefully setting the box down on his bed. Percy came in behind him, setting the two heavy boxes down.

"Do you happen to have a spare bookshelf I can keep my books and movies on?" Percy asked, already heading out for the last box. Nico bit his lip and peered out into the hangout room, sighing as he walked over to it. He dragged it to the room, panting by the time he was done. He'd been shuffling over the carpet as the heavy shelf nearly toppled on top of him. He was now laying down on Percy's bed, sweating slightly and panting. He wasn't used to having to move heavy things by himself and he'd just done it for the roommate he barely knew, hoping he'd appreciate it.

When Percy came back, he stared at Nico laying on his bed for a moment, before setting the box down. "You didn't have to move it, you know. I could have done it." he said, sitting down next to the boy. He peered down at him for a moment before smiling and starting to open his boxes. "If you really want to help- trust me I'm thankful for your already helpful effort- you should help me put everything on the shelves. I suck at organizing things, so honestly, you might be some good in that department."

Nico grunted in frustration and sat up, "I helped you with the bookshelf, I think you can put some stuff on the shelf." He said sourly, making Percy pout. The green-eyed boy just nudged him off of his bed,

"Then go do something productive," Percy snorted, standing up and starting to neatly put his books and movies on the shelf. Nico watched for a while before realizing he was putting them in chronological order, then wondering why he would need his help. He smiled slightly to himself because Percy was facing the other way, before finally leaving the other male alone in his new room.

_

Later that night, Nico went to take a shower. The feeling of the hot water on his back made him feel relaxed after the long and stressful day. He'd had to clean out cupboard space for Percy, which he really didn't mind, it was just hard because he was short and he had been reaching up far a lot. So now that the hot water was relaxing his strained muscles, he felt much better. He wrapped a towel around his waist before cursing, remembering that he didn't live alone anymore. He should have brought his clothes into the bathroom to put on after the shower, but he'd been stupid enough to forget the roommate that would be right across the hall as he walked into his bathroom, only a towel on his hips. Of course, Percy wouldn't think anything of it, but Nico being gay would complicate a lot of things.

Nico braved all of his courage and pulled the door open slightly, peeking out to see if Percy was out there. When he didn't see him, Nico slid out of the bathroom and hurried to his room. His bare feet slapped against the wood floor until he reached the carpet, which he always was glad he had. As Nico took one hand away from his towel to open his bedroom door, the door behind him creaked open, making him jump and drop the other side of the towel. Dread filled him as he stayed in the exact spot he was in, holding the doorknob so tightly his knuckles turned white. As soon as he heard a noise out of Percy he opened his door and sprinted inside, slamming it behind him. He grabbed some boxers and a tee-shirt, tugging them on quickly. His eyes were burning as he dug through his drawers for some pants, before being hit with the absolutely soul-crushing realization that all of his pants were in the laundry.

Nico sat down on his floor, burying his face in his hands. After about an hour of Nico trying not to cry, there was a knock on his door. He picked his head up and looked at the door, saying 'Come in' quietly. Percy entered the room silently, then perching on the floor next to Nico.

"Are you okay?" he asked, looking at the Italian. "I didn't see any-,"

"That doesn't matter," he whispered, "Just make me some dinner. I'll be out soon." he said, smiling weakly. Percy nodded grudgingly and gave Nico a quick side hug before standing up.